How to Make Storm Shutters

Measure the window opening size (height and width). Write these measurements down. Find the center of the window width. Mark this spot on top and bottom.

Cut the plywood the size you wrote down. Measure across the top side of the plywood. Find the center. Do the same at the bottom. Make a line down the center from these two marks. Cut along that line. This will make both halves of the storm shutters.

Screw the hinges to the storm shutters. Use coarse-thread drywall screws. Screw a hinge in the center and one 6 inches from the top and bottom. Cut off the screw that sticks through the board, using wire cutters.

Place one-half of the shutter in the window. Line the center edge up with the marks made at the top and bottom of the window. Have your helper mark the hinge screw holes on the side of the house.

Drill holes in the side of the house where marked. Install the shutter with screws. If the house is concrete block, then use either Tapcon or concrete anchors. Open and close this side to make sure it works. Then close over the window.

Hold the other half of the shutter in the window. If it is too wide, then mark and trim the extra. Have your helper mark the hinge screw holes and install this half the same way as the first. Double check to make sure both sides work and close properly. Now is the time to adjust the hinges.

Open both sides of the storm shutter. Lay out and cut decorative trim. Install along the outside edge. A smaller rectangle can be placed in the center. Check to make sure they both still close.

Install latches on untrimmed side. These will be used to hold the shutters together during a storm.

Caulk all seams between the trim pieces and plywood. Paint the shutters.